Back PainNote: If you are experiencing pain that is lasting more than 2 weeks, it is advised to see a doctor.
Back pain is one of the most common health issues people face, with an estimated 8 of 10 people experiencing some sort of back discomfort in their lives. Although back pain is a serious issue, ranging from dull aches to sharp pains, surgery is rarely needed as a cure. Individuals with back pain can rely on rest, back exercises and usually mild medications to help improve the symptoms if prevention techniques fail.
Acute back pain – arrives suddenly and leaves just as quickly. The length of acute back pain should not exceed 6 weeks. Acute pain usually gets better without any form of treatment, but pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are suggested. This is the most common type of back pain.
Chronic back pain – can arrive quickly or slowly, but chronic back pain lasts a long time. Pain should last more than 3 months to be considered chronic. This type of pain is treated either by surgery or more preferably, by exercises, medicine, lifestyle changes and other nonsurgical approaches.
There are numerous symptoms that arise with back pain, but symptoms can often be alleviated with self-care. It is recommended that patients see their doctors after 72 hours of self-care, if no improvement is seen.
Symptoms include:
The back is composed of many intricate parts, including bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks. Damage to any of these components could cause either minor or serious pain in the back. Injuries and pain in the back can be caused by structural issues, conditions, or strains, such as:
Strained muscles or ligaments, improper lifting or heavy lifting, sudden awkward movement, bulging/ruptured disks, sciatica, arthritis, cancer in the spine, infection of the spine, pregnancy, or osteoporosis.
There are some easy steps to take in order to prevent back pain or keep it from getting worse. Exercise is one of the best techniques to maintain a healthy back. By strengthening muscles in the back and core (abdominal muscles), it is easier to prevent injuries because the more sensitive areas are supported.
It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if needed. Finally, an important step to take is to work on proper posture and to avoid heavy lifting, if possible. If heavy lifting is required, make sure to bend at the knees and keep the back straight.
These could be signs of a more serious injury that would need more attention than self-care techniques.
Mayo Clinic.(2011).Back Pain. Retrieved on October 11, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/DS00171/DSECTION=symptoms
National Library of Medicine Medline Plus. (2011). Back Pain. Retrieved on October 11, 2011 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. (2009).Back Pain. Retrieved on October 11, 2011 from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Back_Pain/back_pain_ff.asp#d
